NGT refuses to lift stay on sand mining in MP

BHOPAL: National Green Tribunal (NGT) refused to lift its stay on sand mining in riverbeds during monsoons. Previously, on July 20, NGT stayed sand mining in entire state on the ground it is damaging river ecology.

NGT bench on Monday dismissed a review petition filed by state government for lifting blanket ban on riverbed sand mining in state enforced till October 31. Tribunal has asked the state government to come up with its detailed proposal on the issue on August 31, according to petitioner's counsel Dharmveer Sharma.

Bench comprising judicial member Justice Dalip Singh and expert member Bikram Singh Sajwan expressed concern that this was a larger question in the interest of environment. Also, it would be a problem that would occur every year.

Previously, stay was on government's order allowing sand mining during monsoon till July 31 as mining period had been extended illegally till July 31. Petition filed by social worker and resident of Kolar, Amarkant Mishra sought stay on sand mining in entire state during monsoon period. Taking a stern view, tribunal said riverbed sand mining in monsoon would affect fishes and aquatic life as it is their breeding season and they lay eggs mainly along the river bed. NGT also ruled that mining policy or any extension of permission cannot be in contravention to fisheries policy. According to policy, fishing activity is banned between June 16 and August 15. However, petitioner contended as per state environment impact assessment authority (SEIAA), sand mining should be carried out only during non-monsoon period (November 1 to May 31).